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Stapleton said: “When they lost to Bayern 10-2 on aggregate last season, the signs were there that ­something was ­fundamentally wrong.

“Arsenal are a big club and shouldn’t be losing by that kind of score – even to a team as good at Bayern Munich.

“That was the moment to act ­because that was the type of result you’d get in the early rounds when a big team hammers a minnow. It was embarrassing.

“When they lost 5-1 in each leg, alarm bells should have been ringing for the owners.

“The board seem to have ignored sections of the support who want Wenger out – but I think he’s pushing his luck now.

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“I don’t think anyone at the club would want another season of ­uncertainty, frustration and ­unrest, but that’s the danger if they allow him to carry on.

“And, all the time that kind of indecision prevails, ­Arsenal are losing ground to rivals, like Liverpool and Tottenham, who have now overtaken them on a consistent basis – let alone the two Manchester clubs.”

Wenger’s defiant stance has alienated many fans who were on his side until the last few months.

And, although Stapleton believes Wenger’s refusal to hand over the reins has ­already tarnished his legacy, the former Highbury attacker believes that won’t be worrying the long-serving Arsenal chief.

The Irishman said: “It’s a shame things have got to where they are because Arsenal are still a fantastic club. And it’s a shame that maybe Wenger’s legacy is being tarnished by what has happened the last couple of seasons, but I’m not sure that will be uppermost in his mind.

Frank Stapleton in action for the Gunners (Image: Getty)

“I don’t believe he will be thinking like that. In his mind, the only priority is getting the team playing again and ending the season strongly.

“I don’t see him just throwing the towel in, it’s not his style.

“It’s clear that he just believes he’s still the right man to lead Arsenal, even though a lot of evidence would contradict that. For me, it’s time for a change.”

Stapleton left Highbury for Manchester United in 1981 after seven years at the club, with Arsenal refusing to offer him the ­contract he felt he was worth.

He can see similarities with Alexis Sanchez moving to Old Trafford in January.

Alexis Sanchez moved from the Gunners to United just like Stapleton (Image: Tom Purslow)

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“Why the club would let its best player, in Sanchez, run his contract down is still a mystery to me.

“It happened with Robin van Persie and, going back to my time, ­it ­happened with me too – they weren’t willing to go that bit further.” But Stapleton reckons Wenger will ­ultimately be seen as better than ­legendary boss Herbert Chapman.

Chapman, in charge for seven years from 1925-34, is recognised as Arsenal’s equivalent of Sir Matt Busby at Manchester United and Bill Shankly at Liverpool – a forward-thinking visionary who shaped the club’s future, winning two First Division Championships and an FA Cup.

Stapleton said:“People talk about Chapman’s influence – but what Wenger has achieved and the way he modernised Arsenal, in terms of tactics, nutrition, ­preparation and ­philosophy, makes him the best manager the club has ever had.”

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